Lizard Succulent

Lizard Succulent (Sedum rubens 'Lizard') is a small, hummock-forming sedum only 10cm high and 25cm wide, with slender, fleshy blue-green leaves lightly shaded in purple. The cushions of chubby leaves suit terrariums, windowboxes, rockeries and roof gardens. White star-shaped flowers appear in summer on mature, happy plants.

Why you'll love it

• Blue-green, lilac-tinted cushions. Small slender leaves cluster into rounded hummocks, with a soft purple shading that adds depth.
• Small enough for anywhere. At 10cm by 25cm, it squeezes into gaps between stones, pots and windowboxes.
• Built for tough sites. Roof gardens, rockeries and high-rise windowboxes, where sun, wind and thin soil defeat many plants, are its natural home.
• White summer stars. Mature, happy plants bring out small white star-shaped flowers in summer.
• Waterwise. Succulent leaves store moisture, so it copes with dry spells between drinks.

Where it works best

Terrariums and shallow bowls. The compact hummocks suit a dry terrarium or a shallow dish, alone or with other small succulents.

Rockeries and roof gardens. Plant 20cm apart in a drift for a soft, cushiony effect between stones. Full sun and thin soil are what it prefers.

Windowboxes and balconies. In a sunny box with little soil, it keeps its shape and asks for little care.

Waterwise borders. Use it at the front of a dry border, where its low cushions edge taller plants.

Growing Lizard Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight and a free-draining position. It is happy in rocky, sandy soil and exposed locations, and suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. We have not tested its cold hardiness, so shelter it from heavy frost in colder districts.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil. In pots, use a cactus and succulent mix with extra grit, and avoid heavy clay that holds water.

Water and feed. Water new plants until they are established. After that, give a drink if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, especially in extended heat, and otherwise leave it dry.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Leave the hummocks to build up on their own.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lizard Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, tidy plant that builds its hummock over a season or two. Plant it into gritty mix or soil in bright light soon after delivery.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. If the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Succulents for pots and gardens
• Rockery plants
• Plants for balconies
• How to repot your plants like a pro

Common questions

Is it frost hardy?

We have not tested its cold hardiness, so we recommend shelter from heavy frost. In colder districts, grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover.

When does it flower?

In summer, with small white star-shaped flowers. They come on mature, happy plants, so a young plant may take a season or two to flower.

Can I grow it in a terrarium?

Yes, a dry terrarium suits it, provided it gets bright light and the mix drains freely. Water only when the plant starts to soften or wrinkle.